Steve Gibson's Middlesbrough vow

Steve Gibson has revealed that Middlesbrough’s wage bill is bigger than QPR and Cardiff's combined.

We have a huge wage bill and that’s something we are dealing with because it is unsustainable.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson

Steve Gibson gambled last summer by sanctioning former manager Gordon Strachan’s move for high-profile Scots, such as ex-Rangers forward Kris Boyd, who flopped badly as Middlesbrough languished near the bottom.

Strachan’s replacement Tony Mowbray has steered the club towards Championship survival which will be secured with a win at home to Burnley tonight. And despite Mowbray having to slash the costs in the close season, Gibson has assured him he will be given cash to spend.

Denying rumours the club are set to enter administration, the chairman said: “We have a huge wage bill and that’s something we are dealing with because it is unsustainable.

“We are 18th and that’s why the situation can’t continue, but whatever happens with regard to the wage bill, we will continue to be one of the best resourced teams next season.”